You can't grow, if you rip your root's out of the ground...
The Farmers Alliance building on the freeway (101) side of downtown. Built in 1922 by the Paso Robles Almond Growers Association (PRAGA) as a crop storage and staging area. Paso Robles at that time promoted itself as "the almond capital of the world". But by 1936 the almonds had mostly moved to the Central Valley, and after 36' the building was used to store harvested wheat. As a forth generation Paso resident, I am only the second generation that does not make a living farming. My Grandfather farmed west of Paso, and worked quite a bit in this building, up until it closed for good in 1976. Until recently this building had been for sale, but two weeks ago, I noticed that the for sale sign was down, and a new banner had been put up advertising some sort of a wine tasting room. I became concerned immediately for the historic building. My hope is that it's protected, or at least the new owners are looking at preserving it, and not thinking of tearing it down. Today as I drove by, there were workers taking down the tin building on the north side. Time will tell, I hope the city won't allow it to be torn down and re-developed. But then again the city officials are blinded, by the pursuit to overcome the Napa Valley wine region. This building is a huge part of the history of farming in the area, and farming built Paso Robles. Wine production is farming, but only a select few in the wine buisness will admit to being farmers. Most look at that label as an insult. Hopefully this building is "campy" enough to be saved.
The Farmers Alliance building on the freeway (101) side of downtown. Built in 1922 by the Paso Robles Almond Growers Association (PRAGA) as a crop storage and staging area. Paso Robles at that time promoted itself as "the almond capital of the world". But by 1936 the almonds had mostly moved to the Central Valley, and after 36' the building was used to store harvested wheat. As a forth generation Paso resident, I am only the second generation that does not make a living farming. My Grandfather farmed west of Paso, and worked quite a bit in this building, up until it closed for good in 1976. Until recently this building had been for sale, but two weeks ago, I noticed that the for sale sign was down, and a new banner had been put up advertising some sort of a wine tasting room. I became concerned immediately for the historic building. My hope is that it's protected, or at least the new owners are looking at preserving it, and not thinking of tearing it down. Today as I drove by, there were workers taking down the tin building on the north side. Time will tell, I hope the city won't allow it to be torn down and re-developed. But then again the city officials are blinded, by the pursuit to overcome the Napa Valley wine region. This building is a huge part of the history of farming in the area, and farming built Paso Robles. Wine production is farming, but only a select few in the wine buisness will admit to being farmers. Most look at that label as an insult. Hopefully this building is "campy" enough to be saved. 
Good News! I, indirectly know the guy who bought the building and is turning it into some sort of Wine tasting room. He is a good guy, and a Classic Car enthusiast...I don't know much, but I do know he plans to restore the old alliance building and the city is happy to have him doing something with the landmark...
ReplyDeleteThat is good news, I hope it's true. Thanks for the update...
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